Welcome to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome to remember. Enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music while you indulge in local brandy, as well as artisan meats and cheeses.

Choose your sightseeing activity in Budapest today. Later this afternoon, cruise to Vienna. 

Freedom of Choice – City Tour and Christmas Markets Visit

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica before a visit to two of Budapest’s Christmas markets. 

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.  

Set out on a guided tour of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

On arrival in Vienna, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the wintry air, you’ll be reminded that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.  You’ll also have time to visit the Christmas market located in Parade Court in front of the palace. This evening, we have arranged a special Signature Experience.  

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace 

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, and you will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein and roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. You’ll then cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk, where you’ll visit the spectacular Melk Abbey, adorned with intricate statues.

Spend time at Salzburg's Christmas market before setting out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Alternatively, cruise to Passau and enjoy time to explore at your leisure.

Freedom of Choice – 'The Sound of Music' Tour

Journey through Salzburg and explore the iconic locations featured in 'The Sound of Music'. Soak up the breathtaking alpine scenery that made this city the perfect setting for the beloved film before continuing to Passau.

Freedom of Choice – Český Krumlov

Venture into the Czech Republic and visit Český Krumlov, a fairytale town known for its charming medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the Vltava River. Discover its World Heritage-listed historic centre before continuing to Passau.

Wake to a magical Christmas Day in the picturesque city of Regensburg. Today, explore Regensburg's atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Christmas feast on board your ship with all the trimmings. 

This morning, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Instead, you may like to take it easy and relax on board.

Your day unfolds on your terms with a choice of activities today. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence 

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo. 

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg 

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world. 

Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia

Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Here, set out on your chosen sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting

Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit

Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

Dock in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity. Later, you’ll sail through what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride 

Glide over the vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum 

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar 

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions. 

Arrive in Cologne and embark on a guided tour of the city's most beautiful sights, including the famous cathedral, Kölner Dom. Tonight, bid farewell to 2026 in style with New Year’s Eve celebrations in full swing.

Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise 

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous. 

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.

Today, your unforgettable European Christmas adventure comes to an end. Following breakfast, say goodbye and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.